At Hardy Nutritionals, our mission is to support mental and physical health naturally. Over 50 independent medical journal publications support our flagship supplement, Daily Essential Nutrients, for safety and efficacy. We have spent decades providing essential support for individuals struggling with mood and mental health, including expecting mothers.

That’s why we were excited to have one of our Product Development Scientists, Dallin Hardy, chat with host Florence Christophers on Episode 78 of her Kick Sugar Coach Podcast. The episode delves into the research-backed impact of supplementing with Daily Essential Nutrients for maternal mental health, new exciting research findings, and the science behind our unique approach to micronutrient formulation.

Why Micronutrient Support Matters for Pregnant Women and Infants

For decades, Hardy Nutritionals’ founder, David Hardy, believed that lifelong health and wellness start early, from conception through childhood. David’s background in animal nutrition instilled in him the importance of preventive care. In livestock, optimal health through nutrition is a priority—yet as humans, we often overlook the same principle, waiting until health deteriorates to seek treatment. David aimed to change this perspective, starting with broad-spectrum micronutrient supplementation. 

This preventive philosophy led to the development of Daily Essential Nutrients, a comprehensive formula designed to go beyond the basic Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) to support health and wellness proactively rather than simply avoiding deficiency.

The Research-Backed Formulation of Daily Essential Nutrients

Daily Essential Nutrients (DEN) contains every essential vitamin and mineral science has shown to be required for optimal human health in precisely balanced ratios, delivered in a highly bioavailable format. David's experience in animal nutrition gave him unique insights into formulating supplements that are safe, balanced, and effective. His approach focuses on providing nutrients in a therapeutic range rather than just meeting minimum requirements. This balance prevents nutrient imbalances, maximizing the benefits for brain function and overall wellness.

This broad-spectrum approach sets Daily Essential Nutrients apart and has attracted the attention of university researchers, textbook authors, newscasters, reporters, health practitioners, and researchers globally.

Recent Study: Benefits of Daily Essential Nutrients for Pregnant Women

A groundbreaking study dubbed “NUTRIMUM” from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand tested the effectiveness of Daily Essential Nutrients in a group of pregnant women diagnosed with clinical depression. Researchers compared DEN to an active placebo to maintain study integrity while ensuring safety. The women were given DEN for 12 weeks during their second trimester, and the results were profound:

- Reduced Depression: Women in the DEN group experienced significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to those on the active placebo, as measured by both clinician and self-reports.

- Improved Sleep: Sleep quality improved significantly among women taking DEN, a key benefit for pregnant women managing both mental health and physical changes.

- Enhanced Functioning: The women also showed improved global functioning, meaning they were better able to manage daily life and stressors than those in the placebo group.

This study supports DEN’s effectiveness for mental health and highlights the vital role of high-quality micronutrients in maternal health during pregnancy. Many of these women had struggled with depression in past pregnancies, underscoring the potential of micronutrient supplementation to improve overall health for expectant mothers.

Daily Essential Nutrients’ Impact on Infant Health

Another publication reported on the impact of DEN versus antidepressant exposure in infants in utero. Researchers used the Brazelton Scale to assess newborns across various measures such as motor skills, autonomic stability, and reflexes. Here’s how babies of mothers who took DEN compared to those of mothers on antidepressants and healthy mothers taking standard prenatal vitamins:

1. Improved Habituation: Babies in the DEN group adapted more quickly to new environments and stimuli, showcasing resilience in novel situations.

2. Better Motor Control: These infants had smoother, more coordinated movements, indicating enhanced neuromuscular development.

3. Higher Autonomic Stability: DEN babies had healthier heart rates and respiratory function, suggesting better-regulated autonomic systems.

Amazingly, DEN infants outperformed even the healthy control group in key areas, suggesting that the micronutrient formula not only supports infants of mothers with mental health challenges but also enhances overall infant health outcomes.

 Why Micronutrient Supplementation is Key for Mental Wellness Naturally

One of the most notable findings was that mothers with a history of antidepressant use responded particularly well to DEN, showing improvements in mental health where traditional medications had previously fallen short. This emphasizes how broad-spectrum micronutrients can fill critical gaps in nutrition, aiding individuals who may be resistant to conventional treatments.

The wide-ranging effects of micronutrient supplementation underscore a powerful point: mental and physical health is intricately tied to nutritional status. Just as we fuel our bodies, we also feed our brains and, in so doing, we support our emotional well-being. This is why “Mental Wellness, Naturally” resonates deeply with us at Hardy Nutritionals. Rather than relying solely on medications, which often come with side effects, Daily Essential Nutrients promotes mental wellness through targeted, balanced nutrition.

Setting Up Future Generations for Better Health

The impact of nutrition on early development can be life-changing. Infants born to mothers with depression are often at higher risk for preterm birth, yet in the DEN group, babies were more likely to be born full-term, an important factor in lifelong health. This aligns with our mission to support health from day one, ensuring that future generations have a solid foundation.

As discussed in the Kick Sugar podcast, recent studies link nutritional deficiency to rising rates of mental health issues in children, like ADHD and autism. By filling these gaps, Daily Essential Nutrients benefits adults and sets up the next generation for better mental and physical health.

Nutrition Matters for You and Future Generations

Micronutrient supplementation provides powerful support for mental and physical health from conception through adulthood. We are proud to be pioneers, leading the way in research-backed, comprehensive micronutrient supplementation for mental health, and the results speak for themselves. From reduced maternal depression and improved infant outcomes to supporting optimal mental health, Daily Essential Nutrients offers a safe alternative.

For more insights into the science of mental wellness through micronutrition, explore published research or contact our Wellness Advisors for a free consultation.

About Hardy Nutritionals®

Hardy Nutritionals® multivitamin-mineral products are powered by our proprietary NutraTek™ mineral delivery technology, which combines each mineral with specialized organic molecules—just like nature—to optimize absorption and distribution to body cells. Our flagship supplement, Daily Essential Nutrients, is widely considered to be the most research-backed micronutrient treatment.